Do you need specialty dies to create interactive cards?? The answer is NO! You can use what you have and today I will show you BOTH versions and, as a special Holiday treat, I have a BONUS for you!
Have you been following along with my 2023 Same But Different Christmas Card Series this year? CLICK HERE to see the full playlist at Youtube, I have already focused on Critters and Stretching a Stamp Set 5 Ways, Poinsettias, ‘No Stamping’ Ideas, and I also have some Brilliant Background Ideas! Today you are in for a treat because it’s time to get Interactive!
Would you like to see today’s cards? (scroll down for the link to the FREEBIE!)

You can see my video here or Watch in HD at YouTube!
I use affiliate links, this means that if you choose to click on a product that is linked to an affiliate shop then I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you).
This is a great way to support my channel as well as the shops that I love!
Do you make interactive cards? I enjoy making them and they are also fun to receive, I ALWAYS get comments when I send these cards out, and I am sure you do too! So let’s get started, I have a lot to share, starting with…
Card #1 – Rotary: With Specialty Dies
The easiest way to create interactive rotary cards is using specialty dies such as this Over the Rooftops set. All the dimensions are set ready to go and minimal thought is required, except perhaps what colours to choose. And if you know me, that can certainly take some time 😄!

I adore everything about this set, from the highrise houses to the trees on the hills. I made the card as it was intended, with a day and night scene using the coordinating stamp set to create the sentiment.
PRO TIP: Use a double layer of foam tape to ensure there is enough space for the rotary mechanism to ‘spin’!

And now into the night…

Card #2 – Rotary: No Specialty Dies
What if you don’t have these dies, but still want to create a rotary interactive card? I used my paper trimmer, a circle die and a landscape edge die to get a similar but different look 😉. The key to the turning mechanism is a simple ‘brad’, and I used one from my years-old stash (luckily I didn’t throw them away).

This design is very forgiving, you can seriously decorate it however you want. However, I would be cautious when it comes to adding further dimension as it may make posting the card more expensive.

The sentiment does not have to coordinate, but I did keep the day/night theme and found the perfect one from an old Altenew set. A ‘Merry Christmas’ would have worked just as well.
PRO TIP: I didn’t have a ‘turn’ stamp, I could have hand written it but decided to draw a simple arrow instead.

Can you imagine the possibilites? The rotary disc could be any colours you like and have a different sentiment stamped on each half!

Card #3 – Pop-Up: With Specialty Dies
Starting again with the ‘purpose-built’ dies, this time it is a layered pop-up design. Again, this is much easier to create because it is simply die cutting 4 pieces of cardstock and assembling them. No measuring required!

I used some more cute layered die-cut houses and what I love about these too is that they don’t just have to be for the Holidays, decorate them differently and they could be for any season or occasion.
BONUS IDEA: Why not use a landscape or grass edge die to add shape to the three popped-up layers instead of having the simple straight edge.

Card #4 – Pop-Up: No Specialty Dies
Alright, you already knew that I was going to recreate my own version here! And yes, I did use a landscape die to add a wavy shape across the top edge of the design. But if you have a large oval die you could certainly get a more similar look to the Specialty die version. I used my paper trimmer, score board (you can use a ruler instead) and a bone folder.

I used some die cut circles to create the baubles on the tree as this kept dimension to a minimum and allows the card to fold flat…

Even with all this dimension these cards still fit into an A2 card envelope. Yes, they fold very flat!

And speaking of BONUSES, as promised, here is the link to my FREEBIE just for you! Included are all of the measurements/’cheat sheets’ for the cards, which are both the Rotary and Pop-Up versions that I made without any specialty dies! I have also added some tips and tricks and a couple of Bonus Videos in there for you too! Hope you ENJOY!
I adore my Christmas stamps and love to make the most of them throughout the years so sadly not every set that I have used today is still available. I will link what I can or find similar where possible, if you use my links (at no extra cost to you) I say a HUGE thank you for your support of my channel. It helps me bring more free content your way.
I encourage you to also use what you have and adapt these interactive ideas to suit your style. And, if you are inspired I’d love you to share your designs with me on Social Media.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Crafty Christmas Hugs,

I use affiliate links, this means that if you choose to click on a product that is linked to an affiliate shop then I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you).
This is a great way to support my channel as well as the shops that I love!
Other Supplies:
Stamps: Altenew – Starry Night (? retired)
Dies: My Favorite Things – Cloud 9 | Ellen Hutson – Essential Circles | Landscapes
Cardstock – Silver Mirror – Concord & 9th Cardstock – Powder | Poppy | Sunflower | Stardust | Peacock | Avocado | Artichoke | Black.
Copics – 0 | T2 | E31,33 | Y11,17,24 | B01
Altenew Artist Marker – S
![]() Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | ![]() Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS | ![]() Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | ![]() Pale Gray ALT |
![]() Real Gray ALT | ![]() Navy ALT | ![]() Over the Rooftops Die SSS | ![]() Over the Rooftops SSS |
![]() Home for the Holidays Stacks SSS | ![]() Home for the Holidays Stacks Dies SSS | ![]() Smile and Wave SSS | OTH | ![]() Smile and Wave Die OTH |
![]() Card Stacks Base Die SSS | ![]() 3D Pop Up Box OTH | ![]() Tuxedo Black SSS | ![]() Nocturne SSS |
![]() Versamark Ink SSS | OTH | ![]() Cool Summer Night ALT | ![]() Pocketful of Sunshine Enamel Dots ALT | ![]() Tea Party Enamel Dots ALT | SSS |
![]() Copic Markers SSS | ![]() WOW Heat Tool SSS | ![]() Opaque Bright White SSS | ![]() Powder Tool SSS |
![]() Tweezers ALT | SSS | ![]() Pick Up Tool OTH | ![]() Mini Score Board SSS | ![]() Sticky Grid Mat Ultra ALT | SSS | SB |
![]() Centre Ruler SSS | ![]() Paper Trimmer SSS | ![]() Acrylic Blocks SSS | ![]() 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ | SSS |
![]() MISTI SSS | ![]() Mini MISTI SSS | ![]() Cutting Mat ALT | SSS | ![]() Magnets OTH |
![]() Bigshot SSS | ![]() Gemini Junior SSS | ![]() Turntable AMZ | ![]() Thin Foam Squares AMZ | SSS |
![]() Bearly Art Glue SSS | ![]() ATG OTH | ![]() Foam Tape ALT | SSS | ![]() Satin Masking Tape ALT | SSS |
These are so fun and adorable! You are one brilliant lady, love all the inspirations.
So glad you like these Lisa, there were a LOT of fun to make!
For once, I watched first but had to stop back to tell you that I’ve chosen where I’d live for the Holidays – perhaps you could guess which house?
Fabulous cards, my friend! Thank you for the Freebie!
=]
Yay! I’ll put the kettle on 😉!
Teresa….this was amazing…love them all. Well done. Now I will look for your template.
Thank you very much!
Wow! Beautiful cards! I love them all!
Thank you Lauryne!
Cute and colourful cards!
Thank you for sharing the instructions. I am so going to try this for next year’s cards as I have finished this year’s. You have such clever ideas, thank you
So glad you enjoyed these, hope you enjoy making them!
Great cards, Therese, but then again, they’re always great. Wishing you a safe and magical holiday season. Crafty hugs, Kim
Thank you so very much Kim, wishing you a fabulous Holiday season too x
Morning Therese
I just love this series and the way you put all these ideas together is so wonderful. I wish that we lived closer because creating with you is amazing.
Thanking you so much.
Cheers
Lisa
I agree, it would be wonderful to create together… maybe one day!
Beautiful cards Therese! I’ve only ever made one of the fold down cards, and it was such fun! I’ll definitely have to do more! I loved your outtake at the end! Pleased to see I’m not the only one who has a crazy husband! 😂â¤ï¸
Do you want another husband? He’s going cheap lol.
I don’t often do interactive cards but I love the ideas on how to do them without specialty dies, Therese.
Glad you like these Bobby, I really had fun making them!
Fabulous Therese, I love all the cards
Rene from Rathmines x
Thank you Rene!
These are awsome! Thanks for the freebie too.
My pleasure my friend x
I enjoyed your tutorial. The cards were adorable! Thank you so much!!
Thanks so very much!